In great gulps of anguish, it descended upon her. One wave crashed into another with nary a pause. Her sobs were heard throughout the house—and rightfully so.

How deep the wound, how massive the pain, to be catastrophically, inexplicably out of chocolate!

It is well known across the land that Hillary does not like to be without her chocolate. She has been published in 50-Word Stories before, and most recently won a contest with Six-Word that earned her a place in the book “Crush” by Cathy Alter and Dave Singleton (released in April 2016). #1stcelebcrush

Karen spent every waking moment planning the perfect life. Her mind soaked up luxury, sun and freedom. She could almost taste her homemade spaghetti sauce simmering on the stove in her quiet apartment.

The putrid odor of another inmate slapped Karen back to reality.

Only nine thousand days to go.

Hillary blames the delicious aroma coming from her own kitchen and an article in the local newspaper for this story.